Neil Young, Joan Baez, Maggie Rogers perform ‘Rockin’ in The Free World’ at Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rally
Neil Young, Joan Baez and Maggie Rogers performed a rendition of ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ over the weekend at Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Fighting Oligarchy rally.
On April 12th, the rally, which was hosted by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, saw Young headline the event. He performed ‘Rainbow of Colours’ before inviting his two collaborators on stage to assist him for the second and final song.
The duo led in starting a chorus of “power to the people” and “take America back” between the song’s verses, with the entirety of the performance lasting over 12 minutes.
Baez and Rogers had both previously performed at the rally earlier in the day, with Baez delivering five covers that included versions of ‘America the Beautiful’ and ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’ with Rogers accompanying her on backing vocals. Rogers would then continue into her own set, where she performed three of her own tracks.
Young has frequently been a vocal supporter of Sanders, and a dissident of President Donald Trump, who he has referred to as “the worst president in the history of our great country”. He also previously issued Trump with a copyright infringement lawsuit for his unlawful and unpermitted use of ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ at his campaign rallies.
Young, who was born in Canada but later gained US citizenship, has voiced his concerns over whether he will be allowed to return to the country after the end of his European tour this summer, as he believes Trump holds the power to deport anyone who is critical of his presidency.
The singer-songwriter will arrive in Europe alongside his band, The Chrome Hearts, and will headline both Glastonbury Festival and BST Hyde Park in June and July, respectively, before returning for the North American leg of his world tour.
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